Freight rail services along Great Western Railway were disrupted for nearly two months, including three weeks of suspended operations, due to complete washouts of the railroad in addition to heavy damage to equipment and infrastructure. This grant will help cover the costs to repair railroad tracks, bridges and equipment and remove debris at locations throughout Boulder, Larimer and Weld counties.

"The work to restore the Great Western Railway is a perfect example of Colorado's resilience following last year's floods," said U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet (CO-D). "While Colorado communities continue to rebuild better than before, this grant will help ease the financial burden associated with the repair work, freeing up resources for other critical recovery projects."

"Colorado has made tremendous strides recovering since the September 2013 flood and I have been proud to lead efforts to secure federal funds to help rebuild Colorado's transportation network," said Mark Udall (CO-D). "These funds will ensure that Great Western Railway of Colorado and its lines through Weld, Larimer and Boulder counties are rebuilt stronger and better. I will keep fighting to help Colorado recover, but this $1.65 million is an important milestone for our transportation network."